Hounslow Council


Investigation of benefit fraud

The Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 2000 gave local authorities sweeping new powers to investigate benefit fraud.

The London Borough of Hounslow is committed to protecting public funds through its action against all attempts made to perpetrate fraud and corruption within the authority’s services.

All cases that are referred to the Housing Benefit Fraud Investigation Unit will be investigated to the highest standards and will comply with all relevant legislation including:

  • Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1994

  • Criminal Investigations and Procedures Act 1999

  • Human Rights Act 2000

  • Data Protection Act 1994/1998

  • Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

  • Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997

  • Theft (Amendment) Act 1996

Where suspected cases of fraud have been investigated by the Council and sufficient evidence has been obtained to sustain a prosecution, the Council will seek to impose a penalty, being a “Local Authority Caution”, the imposition of an “Administrative Penalty” or “Prosecution”.

Contact us

Benefit Fraud Investigation Team
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN

Hotline : 020 8583 2111
Fax : 020 8583 2360
E-mail: fraud@hounslow.gov.uk